HP workstations cut down production costs

Computer giant HP has just released its souped up workstation that promises higher performance for the financial traders, digital animators and mechanical engineers who will use it.

The super computer, which has two intel processors, is used for real time trading updates and can run up to eight monitors at the same time, as well as simulate 3D images of models.

HP vice president research and development workstations Terry Pilsner said workstations could save businesses of all sizes huge amounts of money in the initial stages of production.

Workstations can be used to test the strength of medal, the capacity buildings have to move in the wind, the structural soundness of bridges by stimulating virtual conditions.

Mr Pilsner said cars would still be tested during the final stages of production but during the initial stages virtual testing could save millions. Companies such as Lucas Films, Weta Digital and Pixar were using workstations to create digital images and models before entering into the production phase.

He said animation had fundamentally changed through such technology as images created in 3D format could now be rotated on screen and shared between colleagues through HP’s SkyRoom across the globe in real time.

“It can predict and design the future virtually. It can design and test buildings to be resistant to earthquakes and wind through stimulation. It reduces the time from idea to conception,” Mr Pilsner said.

The workstations are suitable for small businesses and many businesses are investing in technology that can reduce capital expenditure.

Cars can be virtually driven into brick walls through this technology and then engineers can assess the damage and see what needs to be fixed before the model goes into its first production cycle.

Because of this technology, engineers can return to the drawing table, redraft the model all before they start assembling the actual model. The implications for business of all sizes in immense, he said.